The Baltimore Orioles have faced challenges in developing pitching talent under the Mike Elias regime, but 2026 might just be the year things start to change. Enter Luis De León, a soon-to-be 23-year-old lefty from the Dominican Republic, who’s quickly becoming a standout prospect in the Orioles' system.
Last April, Brandon Young made headlines as the first undrafted free agent to debut for Baltimore since 2019, followed by Kade Strowd as the first Elias-drafted pitcher to take the mound for the Orioles. But now, all eyes are on De León, who has risen to the top of Baltimore’s pitching prospects, according to MLB.com's updated list.
De León’s potential was on full display in Sarasota this spring. Though he’s only faced 10 batters, allowing one hit and striking out two, his dynamic pitching arsenal is what truly sets him apart.
His sinker and slider combination is particularly noteworthy. The sinker, a favorite among top left-handed pitchers, is thrown with impressive velocity.
While pitchers like Cristopher Sánchez and Framber Valdez rely on their sinkers, De León’s version reaches the high 90s, putting him in elite company.
Complementing his sinker is a devastating slider, effective against both righties and lefties. Against the Braves, De León showcased this pitch, throwing it nearly half the time. His delivery, reminiscent of Chris Sale’s, adds an extra layer of deception.
De León’s repertoire doesn’t stop there. He also boasts a four-seamer that touches the upper 90s, a changeup with a similar movement to his sinker, and a splitter in the low 80s. While his off-speed pitches are still developing, they have the potential to become formidable weapons.
The changeup is particularly intriguing, offering a strategic advantage against right-handed batters. With a significant speed difference from his sinker, it keeps hitters guessing and off-balance. If he can refine his splitter, De León could possess one of the most versatile arsenals among left-handed starters.
However, like many young pitchers, De León is still working on his control. Last season, he posted an impressive 11 K/9 rate across three levels, but also had a 4.2 BB/9 rate. This trend continued in the Arizona Fall League, where he struck out 22 batters in 16.1 innings but walked 12.
Despite these challenges, there’s optimism around De León’s potential major league debut this year. While he may not immediately secure a spot in the starting rotation, he could play a pivotal role in the bullpen, much like other top left-handed prospects have in the past. Chris Sale and Garrett Crochet both started their careers in relief roles before transitioning to starters, and David Price famously closed games during the Rays’ 2008 World Series run.
If the Orioles find themselves in playoff contention, De León could be the secret weapon they need to make a push for October. His journey is one to watch, as he brings a mix of power, precision, and promise to Baltimore’s pitching future.